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On November 5th, San Juan County voters approved the passage of Proposition 2 which authorized local funding for an array of local services, including $130,000 a year in sustainable funding for the Islands' Oil Spill Association.
This is a huge step forward, and gives a major boost to efforts to energize and invigorate IOSA's ability to protect the islands. Thanks to everyone who voted to support Proposition 2, and to those who spoke to friends and neighbors, wrote letters, and worked to ensure the success of this effort. With passage of the levy, a number of questions leap to mind. Not every answer is known, but here's a start at sharing the general thinking:
Where will this money be spent? The primary goal for 2020 is to hire an experienced and capable Executive Director for IOSA. This will be someone based in the islands, with the spirit, knowledge, and character to help guide IOSA forward. In addition, ongoing efforts to update and repair equipment will be top priority, including an entirely new wildlife response trailer. Training priorities for 2020 include wildlife response, in addition to ongoing HAZWOPER offerings and several on the water drills and deployments.
Is this the only funding available for IOSA? No. IOSA has grant funding in hand to help with ongoing training and equipment needs, and has more grant funding applications outstanding. In addition, IOSA is working hard to ensure a thoughtful connection with longtime industry partners who have historically supported IOSA's budget. Finally, IOSA continues to explore opportunities for direct philanthropic support from the local community, with a special focus on larger capital projects.
This sounds exciting, how can I help? As always, IOSA is looking for response volunteers. In addition, there's a need for interested folks who have management, operations, finance, or non-profit management experience. The size and capability of the Board of Directors and the volunteer management team has grown dramatically in 2019, but there's always room for more talent and energy. Go to https://iosaonline.org/volunteer/ to learn more and sign up.
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